Ep. 120: How to Break Free From Generational Trauma, Societal Expectations, and Your Mistakes | Tavarus Taylor

Ep. 120: How to Break Free From Generational Trauma, Societal Expectations, and Your Mistakes | Tavarus Taylor

Episode 120: What does it mean to break a chain you were born into? In this deeply moving episode, Amanda Powers sits down with Tavarus Taylor — Nashville entrepreneur, community advocate, drag performer Vivica Steele, and radio host of The Queen's Table — for one of the most layered and honest conversations this show has ever had. Tavarus opens up about growing up carrying an identity hedidn't yet have the language to explain, surviving a criminal justice system that took away his right to vote over a $5.44 check, getting laid off from corporate America and turning that betrayal into a thriving business, and the moment he realized his drag persona, Vivica Steele, wasn't just a performance. She was saving his life.   This conversation is about what it really looks like to carrygenerational trauma without letting it become your whole story. It's about LGBTQ+ identity, systemic injustice, radical self-acceptance, and the quiet everyday courage it takes to build a life on your own terms — even when the world around you keeps trying to write a smaller story for you.   What you'll hear in this episode: * How generational trauma shapes who you are before youeven understand it * What it actually costs to lose your constitutional rights — and what it takes to reclaim them * Why Tavarus walked away from corporate America and started a his own business * How drag became his pathway to self-love, purpose, and liberation * What "breaking chains" really means when you're the first in your family to do it * The one thing Tavarus says every lost person needs to do first — before any book, podcast, or sermon If you've ever felt like the story someone told about youwasn't yours to keep — this episode is for you. CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Introduction to Tavarus Taylor 01:35 - Understanding Identity and Trauma 07:54 - Overcoming Adversity and Self-Discovery 13:24 - Navigating the Criminal Justice System 17:43 - Empowerment and Community Advocacy 22:15 - Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship 25:07 - The Turning Point: From Employment to Entrepreneurship 27:43 - Embracing Identity: The Journey of Vivica Steele 30:15 - Navigating Life's Challenges: The Importance of Self-Love 35:21 - Creating Safe Spaces: The Queen's Table Initiative 42:37 - Building Meaningful Relationships: Love and Support 44:46 - Finding Your Path: The Power of Self-Reflection CONNECT WITH TAVARUS: Business Website: tntcommercialservices615.com [https://www.tntcommercialservices615.com] Vivica Steele Website: vivicasteele.com [https://www.vivicasteele.com] Vivica's Instagram: ⁠@vivicasteele615⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/vivicasteele615] The Queen's Table: acmeradiolive.com/the-queens-table [https://www.acmeradiolive.com/the-queens-table] The Queen's Table Instagram: @thequeenstable615 [https://www.instagram.com/thequeenstable615] Personal Instagram: ⁠@ttaylor608⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/ttaylor608] CONNECT WITH AMANDA: Don't forget to subscribe for more content about reclaiming your identity, finding your purpose, and steps for becoming your future self. Want to share your story or question for an upcoming Wanderer Wisdom Episode? Send Amanda a message here: podcastforthelost.com/contact/ [https://podcastforthelost.com/contact/#contact]   Email: hello@podcastforthelost.com [hello@podcastforthelost.com] Website: www.podcastforthelost.com [https://www.podcastforthelost.com] Instagram: @podcast.for.the.lost [https://www.instagram.com/podcast.for.the.lost] & @amanda.k.powers [https://www.instagram.com/amanda.k.powers] TikTok: @podcast.for.the.lost [https://www.tiktok.com/@podcast.for.the.lost] YouTube: @podcastforthelost [https://www.youtube.com/@podcastforthelost] Substack: podcastforthelost.substack.com [https://podcastforthelost.substack.com/]   AFFILIATE LINKS: Momentum Shake — Get a Free Variety Pack: momentumshake.com [https://www.momentumshake.com/?sca_ref=9172528.hWgFiWJZTghkn6] IM8 Health — Code POWERS: im8health.com [https://im8.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=26&aff_id=2063] Twenty2 Nutrition — 5% Off: twenty2nutrition.com [https://www.twenty2nutrition.com/?smile_ref=eyJzbWlsZV9zb3VyY2UiOiJzbWlsZV91aSIsInNtaWxlX21lZGl1bSI6IiIsInNtaWxlX2NhbXBhaWduIjoicmVmZXJyYWxfcHJvZ3JhbSJ9&smile_referral_code=d17YWsox] PTULA — $10 Off: ptula.com [https://www.ptula.com/?influenceio_ref_code=PFfm1ycM-vnq&influenceio_deep_link=%2F&utm_source=influenceio&utm_medium=referral_url&utm_campaign=influenceio_referrals] Oner Active — $10 Off: oneractive.com [https://rwrd.io/ref_O9SIXJZ?c] MONDAY Swimwear — 20% Off: mondayswimwear.com [https://mondayswimwear.com/?sref_id=cznumk3&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=referral_program&utm_source=loyalty] Beis Travel Luggage — $20 Off: beistravel.com [https://prz.io/gXbxboETO] U BEAUTY — $25 Off: ubeauty.com [https://ubeauty.com/?referral_code=d9RZdr4XsAldbl3P2] Timeline — 20% Off (Code POWERS): timeline.com/POWERS [https://shop.timeline.com/POWERS] Fusionary Formulas — 15% Off (Code LOST15): fusionaryformulas.com [https://fusionaryformulas.com?sca_ref=11008005.OMJ25y2R0Hx0e0M]

Ep. 119: How to Stop Hating Your Body and Start Fighting For What You Want | Dani Dyer

Episode 119: What happens when you spend years being told your body isn’t good enough — and you start to believe it? In this episode, Amanda Powers sits down with Dani Dyer —Nashville-based personal trainer, certified fitness coach, author, and host of the Love Your Body Podcast [https://open.spotify.com/show/0Xmy7eqAUVZR2pgVC3pjQJ?si=6d7729e78cff422c&nd=1&dlsi=9da47dd14e4644bb] — for one of the most honest conversations about body image, identity, and self-worth you’ll hear this year. Dani has lived it all: body shaming in middle school, disordered eating patterns in college, becoming Nashville’s Strongest Woman, going viral on TikTok, suffering aserious spinal injury, developing an autoimmune disorder from years of extreme sport, and rebuilding her health from the ground up — again. And again.   What makes Dani’s story so powerful isn’t the accolades. It’s the fact that even at her leanest, her strongest, her most decorated— she still had to fight to love herself. And that’s exactly what she wants you to hear.   In this episode, you’ll hear: * How Dani lost herself to other people’s opinions — and the moment she decided to stop listening * Why even “perfect” bodies can hide the deepest self-hatred * The difference between body positivity and actually loving your body through movement * How negative self-talk rewires your brain — and the sticky note habit that helps reverse it * What “Fight for What You Want” actually means when you don’t know what you want yet * Dani’s raw experience with timeline grief, letting go of due dates, and trusting the process * Practical advice for anyone who looks in the mirror and doesn’t recognize themselves anymore Whether you’re struggling with your body image, your identity, or just feeling like you’ve lost your way — this episode is a reminder that the most powerful thing you can do is start right now. You don’t have to wait until you look different, weigh less, or have it all figured out. You just have to start fighting for yourself. Chapters 00:00 - Dani’s Origin Story 04:26 - College Fitness 07:20 - The Vermont Turning Point 15:23 - My Most Viral Moments 17:30 - My Identity Crisis 23:53 - Misinformation in Fitness 30:29 - Silencing the Inner Critic 36:00 - Establishing a New Mindset 41:57 - Timeline Grief and The Arrival Fallacy 52:07 - What it really means to “Fight for What You Want” 57:05 - What to say to yourself when you look in the mirror and don’t recognize yourself Connect with Dani Dyer: Website: www.danidfitness.com [https://www.danidfitness.com/] Book: How to Love Your Body Throughout [https://www.danidfitness.com/product/how-to-love-your-body-throughout] Podcast: Love Your Body Podcast [https://open.spotify.com/show/0Xmy7eqAUVZR2pgVC3pjQJ] Instagram: @danidfitness1 [https://www.instagram.com/danidfitness1/] YouTube: @danidfitness1 [https://youtube.com/channel/UCuU6_rpfkQpC02rVmYT3Phw] TikTok: @danidfitness1 [https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMejLMfEe/] Connect with Amanda: Don’t forget to subscribe for weekly content about identity,healing, purpose, and becoming your future self. Want to share your story or question for an upcoming Wanderer Wisdom Episode? Send Amanda a message here! [https://podcastforthelost.com/contact/#contact] Website: www.podcastforthelost.com [https://www.podcastforthelost.com/] Instagram: @podcast.for.the.lost [https://www.instagram.com/podcast.for.the.lost] & @amanda.k.powers [https://www.instagram.com/amanda.k.powers] TikTok: @podcast.for.the.lost [https://www.tiktok.com/@podcast.for.the.lost] YouTube: @podcastforthelost [https://www.youtube.com/@podcastforthelost] Substack: podcastforthelost.substack.com [https://podcastforthelost.substack.com/]   Discounts & Affiliate Support Links: * Momentum Shake — Get a Free Variety Pack [https://www.momentumshake.com/?sca_ref=9172528.hWgFiWJZTghkn6] * IM8 Health — 8% Off (Code POWERS) [https://im8.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=26&aff_id=2063] * Twenty2 Nutrition — 5% Off [https://www.twenty2nutrition.com/?smile_ref=eyJzbWlsZV9zb3VyY2UiOiJzbWlsZV91aSIsInNtaWxlX21lZGl1bSI6IiIsInNtaWxlX2NhbXBhaWduIjoicmVmZXJyYWxfcHJvZ3JhbSJ9&smile_referral_code=d17YWsox] * PTULA Active — $10 Off [https://www.ptula.com/?influenceio_ref_code=PFfm1ycM-vnq] * Oner Active — $10 Off [https://rwrd.io/ref_O9SIXJZ?c] * MONDAY Swimwear — 20% Off [https://mondayswimwear.com/?sref_id=cznumk3] * Beis Travel Luggage — $20 Off [https://prz.io/gXbxboETO] * U BEAUTY — $25 Off [https://ubeauty.com/?referral_code=d9RZdr4XsAldbl3P2] * Timeline — 20% Off (Code POWERS) [https://shop.timeline.com/POWERS] * Fusionary Formulas — 15% Off (Code LOST15) [https://fusionaryformulas.com/]

Ep. 118: You’re Not Sick—You’re Inflamed (And Here’s What to Do About It)

Episode 118: If you’ve been feeling tired but wired, foggy, inflamed, or like your body is quietly waving a white flag—this episode is your permission slip to stop blaming yourself and start listening. This week, Amanda sits down with Dr. Shivani Gupta, Ayurvedicpractitioner, PhD researcher in turmeric and curcumin, and founder of Fusionary Formulas, for a conversation that bridges ancient Eastern wisdom with modern Western health struggles. Dr. Shivani has spent over 20 years helping people understand the root cause behind so much of what makes us feel lost in our own bodies: inflammation.   But this isn’t just a health episode—it’s a self-discoveryconversation. Because when your body is chronically inflamed, your ability to think clearly, trust your intuition, make aligned decisions, and feel like yourself is compromised. And for any 30-something who has “done everything right” and still feels empty? That mind-body disconnect is often the missing link.   What you’ll hear in this episode: * What inflammation actually looks like in everyday life(spoiler: it’s not just joint pain) * The Ayurvedic dosha system explained—and how to figureout your unique mind-body blueprint * Why brain fog, low energy, and burnout are signs of“inflamaging”—not aging * Dr. Shivani’s concept of “mental inflammation” and howstress creates a physical feedback loop * The truth about turmeric and curcumin—hype vs.therapeutic reality * The simplest free tools to start reducing inflammationthis week * Why getting healthy is the fastest path back to yourintuition and your purpose   If you’ve ever Googled “why do I feel so off” or “how do I getmy energy back,” this one is for you. You’re not broken. You might just be out of balance—and Dr. Shivani is here to show you the way back. Chapters: 00:00 - Why Aging Isn't The Only Culprit 02:39 - How Ayurveda Transformed My Life 06:28 - Signs of Chronic Inflammation 12:55 - What Your Everyday Symptoms Say About Your Level of Inflammation 15:42 - How to Identify Your Type in Ayurveda's Dosha System 20:38 - How to Manage a Mixed Constitution Household 23:20 - Managing Your Sleep, Gut, Diet and Rituals 27:59 - Mindful Habits to Support Longevity and Vibrancy 38:54 - The Truth About Tumeric and How to Maximize It 47:36 - What Is Mental Inflammation? 50:48 - Key Practices to Enhance Resilience 55:49 - Start Your Inflammation Reduction Journey 64:32 Advice on Finding Your Purpose & Improving Your Well-being Connect with Dr. Gupta: * Website: www.shivanigupta.com [https://www.shivanigupta.com]    * Instagram: @dr.shivanigupta [https://www.instagram.com/dr.shivanigupta] * Facebook: @theshivanigupta [https://www.facebook.com/TheShivaniGupta/] * LinkedIn: @shivaniguptafl [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shivaniguptafl] * Podcast: The Inflammation Code Podcast [https://shivanigupta.com/fusionary-health-podcast/] * FREE 7-Day Inflammation Detox Challenge [https://www.sevendayinflammationdetox.com] * FREE Anti-Inflammatory E-Cookbook [https://www.shivanigupta.com] * Fusionary Formulas Supplements (code LOST15 for 15% off) [https://fusionaryformulas.com/] Connect with Amanda: Don’t forget to subscribe for weekly content about identity,healing, purpose, and becoming your future self.   Want to share your story or have question for an upcoming Wanderer Wisdom Episode? Send Amanda a message here [https://podcastforthelost.com/contact/#contact]. Email: hello@podcastforthelost.com [hello@podcastforthelost.com] Website: www.podcastforthelost.com [https://www.podcastforthelost.com] Instagram: @podcast.for.the.lost [https://www.instagram.com/podcast.for.the.lost]|  @amanda.k.powers [https://www.instagram.com/amanda.k.powers] TikTok: @podcast.for.the.lost [https://www.tiktok.com/@podcast.for.the.lost] YouTube: @podcastforthelost [https://www.youtube.com/@podcastforthelost] Substack: podcastforthelost.substack.com [https://podcastforthelost.substack.com] Discounts & Affiliate Support Links: Fusionary Formulas — 15% Off (code LOST15) [https://fusionaryformulas.com/] Momentum Shake — Free Welcome Kit & Travel Packs [https://www.momentumshake.com/?sca_ref=9172528.hWgFiWJZTghkn6] Twenty2 Nutrition — 5% Off [https://www.twenty2nutrition.com/?smile_ref=eyJzbWlsZV9zb3VyY2UiOiJzbWlsZV91aSIsInNtaWxlX21lZGl1bSI6IiIsInNtaWxlX2NhbXBhaWduIjoicmVmZXJyYWxfcHJvZ3JhbSJ9&smile_referral_code=d17YWsox] MONDAY Swimwear — 20% Off [https://mondayswimwear.com/?sref_id=cznumk3] PTULA Active — $10 Off [https://www.ptula.com/?influenceio_ref_code=PFfm1ycM-vnq] Oner Active — $10 Off [https://us.oneractive.com/?smile_ref=eyJzbWlsZV9zb3VyY2UiOiJzbWlsZV91aSIsInNtaWxlX21lZGl1bSI6IiIsInNtaWxlX2NhbXBhaWduIjoicmVmZXJyYWxfcHJvZ3JhbSIsInNtaWxlX2N1c3RvbWVyX2lkIjoxMDEyOTY1NTE3fQ==&smile_referral_code=FRiA5KJs] U BEAUTY — $25 Off [https://ubeauty.com/?referral_code=d9RZdr4XsAldbl3P2] time__line — 20% Off (code POWERS) [https://shop.timeline.com/POWERS] IM8 Health — code POWERS [https://im8.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=26&aff_id=2063]

Ep. 117: You’re Allowed to Change Your Mind (Here’s How to Pivot)

Episode 117: If you’re in a season where your life doesn’t look how you thought it would… this episode is your permission slip to finally do something about it. In this episode of The Lost & Found Podcast, Amanda Powers discusses the challenges faced by millennials in today's job market, reflecting on her own experiences and the emotional turmoil of career transitions. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing when a chosen path no longer serves one's happiness and the necessity of embracing change as a form of growth. Drawing inspiration from the philosophy of Alan Watts, Amanda encourages listeners to reclaim their autonomy and the power to make choices that align with their true selves, reminding them that it's okay to pivot and redefine their paths. KEY TAKEAWAY: We talk about the millennial career crisis, the fear of being seen as a failure, and how autonomy—your power to choose the next step—is how you get unstuck. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction and New Beginnings 02:58 Navigating the Millennial Career Crisis 08:31 The Philosophy of Change and Growth 16:52 Embracing Autonomy and the Power of Choice 23:25 Struggling is Normal CONNECT WITH AMANDA: Don’t forget to share this show with a friend and subscribe for weekly conversations on identity, healing, purpose, and becoming your future self. Want to share your story or ask a question for an upcoming Wanderer Wisdom episode? Email us at ⁠⁠hello@podcastforthelost.com⁠⁠ [hello@podcastforthelost.com] or send an anonymous message to ⁠⁠ngl.link/akpowers__⁠⁠ [https://ngl.link/akpowers__] Website: ⁠podcastforthelost.com⁠ [https://www.podcastforthelost.com/] Instagram: ⁠@podcast.for.the.lost⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/podcast.for.the.lost/] | ⁠@amanda.k.powers⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/amanda.k.powers/] TikTok: ⁠@podcast.for.the.lost⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@podcast.for.the.lost] YouTube: ⁠@podcastforthelost⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@podcastforthelost/] Substack: ⁠podcastforthelost.substack.com ⁠ [https://podcastforthelost.substack.com/] AFFILIATE LINKS: ⁠Try Momentum Shake! ⁠ [https://www.momentumshake.com/AMANDAPOWERS]→ Spend $75 – get a free variety pack ⁠MONDAY Swimwear – 20% Off⁠ [https://mondayswimwear.com/?sref_id=cznumk3&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=referral_program&utm_source=loyalty] ⁠Twenty2 Nutrition – 5% Off⁠ [https://www.twenty2nutrition.com/?smile_ref=eyJzbWlsZV9zb3VyY2UiOiJzbWlsZV91aSIsInNtaWxlX21lZGl1bSI6IiIsInNtaWxlX2NhbXBhaWduIjoicmVmZXJyYWxfcHJvZ3JhbSJ9&smile_referral_code=d17YWsox&st_intent=st%3Areferrals%3Acustomer-offers%3Ad17YWsox&utm_campaign=smileio_referrals&utm_medium=referral_url] ⁠PTULA – $10 Off⁠ [https://www.ptula.com/?influenceio_ref_code=PFfm1ycM-vnq&influenceio_deep_link=%2F&utm_source=influenceio&utm_medium=referral_url&utm_campaign=influenceio_referrals] ⁠Oner Active – $10 Off⁠ [https://rwrd.io/ref_O9SIXJZ?c] ⁠Beis Travel Luggage – $20 Off⁠ [https://prz.io/gXbxboETO] ⁠U BEAUTY – $25 Off⁠ [https://ubeauty.com/?referral_code=d9RZdr4XsAldbl3P2] ⁠time__line - 20% Off (code POWERS) [https://shop.timeline.com/POWERS]

Ep. 116: The Millennial Career Crisis (And What It’s Doing to Our Identity)

Episode 116: If you feel behind, unmotivated, or like your “old dream” stopped fitting—this episode will help you reframe the identity panic and keep showing up without pretending you’re fine. Amanda Powers shares a raw solo update on the millennial career crisis, identity loss, and what happens when the life you built stops fitting. From feeling behind (tech issues, family stress, work overload) to the reframe that changed everything: "when the path you fought so hard for becomes more of a cage than a calling, it’s not failure—it’s growth ."  If you’re navigating a career pivot, burnout, or a “who am I now?” season, this episode is your reminder: you don’t have to be perfect to keep going. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Welcome Back and Personal Updates 04:41 Navigating Career Crises and Identity 09:47 The Reality of Disillusionment 14:28 Struggles with Authenticity and Connection CONNECT WITH AMANDA: Don’t forget to share this show with a friend and subscribe for weekly conversations on identity, healing, purpose, andbecoming your future self. Want to share your story or ask a question for anupcoming Wanderer Wisdom episode? Email us at⁠hello@podcastforthelost.com⁠ [hello@podcastforthelost.com] or send an anonymous message to ⁠ngl.link/akpowers__⁠ [https://ngl.link/akpowers__] Website: podcastforthelost.com [https://www.podcastforthelost.com/] Instagram: @podcast.for.the.lost [https://www.instagram.com/podcast.for.the.lost/] | @amanda.k.powers [https://www.instagram.com/amanda.k.powers/] TikTok: @podcast.for.the.lost [https://www.tiktok.com/@podcast.for.the.lost] YouTube: @podcastforthelost [https://www.youtube.com/@podcastforthelost/] Substack: podcastforthelost.substack.com  [https://podcastforthelost.substack.com/] Try Momentum Shake! [https://www.momentumshake.com/AMANDAPOWERS]→ Spend $75 – get a free variety pack MONDAY Swimwear – 20% Off [https://mondayswimwear.com/?sref_id=cznumk3&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=referral_program&utm_source=loyalty] Twenty2 Nutrition – 5% Off [https://www.twenty2nutrition.com/?smile_ref=eyJzbWlsZV9zb3VyY2UiOiJzbWlsZV91aSIsInNtaWxlX21lZGl1bSI6IiIsInNtaWxlX2NhbXBhaWduIjoicmVmZXJyYWxfcHJvZ3JhbSJ9&smile_referral_code=d17YWsox&st_intent=st%3Areferrals%3Acustomer-offers%3Ad17YWsox&utm_campaign=smileio_referrals&utm_medium=referral_url] PTULA – $10 Off [https://www.ptula.com/?influenceio_ref_code=PFfm1ycM-vnq&influenceio_deep_link=%2F&utm_source=influenceio&utm_medium=referral_url&utm_campaign=influenceio_referrals] Oner Active – $10 Off [https://rwrd.io/ref_O9SIXJZ?c] Beis Travel Luggage – $20 Off [https://prz.io/gXbxboETO] U BEAUTY – $25 Off [https://ubeauty.com/?referral_code=d9RZdr4XsAldbl3P2] time__line - 20% Off (code POWERS) [https://shop.timeline.com/POWERS]